Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Mr. Purcell cited parallel inquiries. There are many examples in society where organs of the State carry out parallel inquiries. One could have the Revenue Commissioners and the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement or one could have the Garda and the Revenue Commissioners carrying out parallel inquiries. The position Mr. Purcell is taking today is not sustainable or credible because we saw in our terms of reference that the issue of the premature retirement and departure of the former Garda Commissioner would be front-loaded in the commission of investigation. That was not granted. The Houses of the Oireachtas also voted a budget of €2 million. Mr. Purcell could clear up all of this but he has taken this position. There are so many other factors feeding into the position he has taken. It is really untenable. Does he appreciate the significance or the gravity of that? I am not aware of any other Secretary General who has attended a committee and taken a position similar to that of Mr. Purcell.